Moving from principles to action for energy supply that mitigates
against climate change requires a long-term perspective. Energy
infrastructure takes time to build up; new energy technologies take
time to develop. Policy shifts often also need many years to take
effect. In most world regions the transformation from fossil to
renewable energies will require additional investment and higher
supply costs over about twenty years

Brussels, 2 December 2008 - A Greenpeace-commissioned report presented today demonstrates how Europe can significantly reduce its emissions while strengthening its economy, if EU leaders boost the ambition of the climate and energy legislative package which they are due to finalise over the coming days.

Europe needs bolder policies for the support of renewable energy, energy efficiency and strict emissions reductions. As European leaders put the final touches to the climate package, the Energy [R]evolution is proof that the EU can and should do more to tackle climate change, said Frauke Thies, Greenpeace EU renewables policy campaigner.

As some EU countries threaten to seriously weaken the package, the Energy [R]evolution blueprint shows how the EU can slash carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 30% by 2020 and by nearly 80% by 2050, while actively phasing out nuclear power and coal. The findings of the report carried out by the Institute of Technical Thermodynamics of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) make a strong case for the determined implementation of the EU s 20% renewable energy target, for an efficient emissions trading system where polluters pay for their emissions and for binding energy efficiency commitments.

Bold measures are imperative not only to avoid the catastrophic effects of climate change - they re also a unique chance to build a solid basis for Europe s shaky economy and reduce the burden on consumers, said Thies.

The Energy [R]evolution blueprint shows that in the electricity sector alone, investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies would slash fuel costs by over 500 billion by 2020. These fuel cost savings could cover the required additional investments in the power sector until 2020 two-and-a-half times over. Starting the energy revolution would really pay off! said Sven Teske, Greenpeace International energy expert and the report s project manager.

The Energy [R]evolution shows how 56% of the primary energy demand could be covered by renewable energy sources by 2050. Renewables could provide 88% of electricity and 56% of the heat supply sector by the middle of the century. Efficiency gains and the increased use of renewable electricity for vehicles and some limited sustainable biofuels could reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector by over 70%.

By the middle of this century, EU energy-related CO2 emissions can be brought down by nearly 80%. Risky carbon capture and storage experiments or nuclear power are certainly not needed to achieve this - proven renewable technologies and the smart use of energy are enough, said Teske.